Obituary of Donna Clifford

CLIFFORD: Donnalea Cecile Clifford (née Wakefield). Donna passed away peacefully at her home in Dungannon Estates on Wednesday, February 10, 2010. It was her wish to spend the last days of her life in her home with her family. Donna, oldest child of Donald and Eunice Wakefield, was born on May 20, 1949. She was the eldest sister to Janice and Murray. Murray was born with serious health issues passing away at age five. This left the family with financial challenges. When Imperial Oil Company offered Don a job opportunity, the family moved to Winnipeg. At the age of twelve, Donna began her education in Transcona. After graduating from high school she was employed by CIBC. She met her future husband, David, in 1968 at a University of Manitoba dance. Engagement followed in 1969 and they were married on August 29, 1970. Donna helped David to finish his last year at the U of M. A job offer soon followed from Simplot Canada and they moved to Brandon. Donna continued to work at a Brandon Branch of CIBC until they adopted their first son, Darren, in December 1972. They bought a house on Buttercup Bay, only to be offered a transfer back to Winnipeg, six months later. They purchased a house in Southdale and in June 1975 a second son, Dean, was adopted. Donna and Dave were very active in the Southdale community. It was not unusual for Donna to be taking one boy to a hockey game and Dave to be going in the opposite direction with the other child. For the following ten years, Donna supported David during his time of chronic illness; as well as working hard raising their two young children. Dave was offered a promotion with Simplot in 1988, which entailed moving back to Brandon, but Donna became seriously ill and underwent the first of many surgeries in the years to follow. Finally, moving the family to Brandon they bought a home on Premier Avenue, later building a retirement home in the country at Dungannon Estates. Donna loved to visit and bring happiness to her many relatives and loved ones. She especially loved spoiling her dog, Duffy. Despite her own pain, she was a smiling encouragement to everyone she met. Donna is survived by her husband Dave, sons Darren and Dean and grandson, Rylan; sister Janice (Dwight) Mercer and nephew Brian. Mother and father-in-law, Lily and Billy Clifford; brother-in-law Bill (Tinda) Clifford; uncles Blaine (Linda); Garth (Dorothy) and George (Leah) Wakefield; and Jim Shopland. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Donna was predeceased by brother Murray; parents Donald and Eunice Wakefield; Dorothy Wakefield; Ralph Wakefield; Wilfred and Margaret Wakefield; Doug Wakefield; Gladys and Harvey Nelson; Ethel and Ken Morling; and Grace Shapland. In celebration of Donna's life, a service was held on Tuesday February 16, 2010 at the Brockie Donovan Chapel. The service was conducted by Reverend Joe Ball with her eulogy given by sons, Darren and Dean Clifford. Her urn was carried by nephew Brian Mercer. Donna's final resting place is at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Our family would like to thank the staff and doctors at the Brandon Regional Health Centre. I would like to extend my gratitude to Dr. Groves for giving Donna and I, a few extra years together.